Objective To investigate and evaluate the correlation between brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and gestational hypertension and preeclampsia of hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy (HDCP).Methods Fifty cases with HDCP and 46 cases with mild and 83 cases with sever stage preeclampsia were selected as our subjects.And 33 cases with regular pregnancy and 31 with irregular pregnancy were served as control group.Plasma brain natriuretic peptide,urinary protein quantity(UBQ),24-hour urinary protein assay (UPA) were measured.The correlations of brain natriuretic peptide and UBQ,UPA,systolic pressure (SP),diastolic pressure (DP) were analyzed.Results The levels of brain natriuretic peptide in the group with gestational hypertension and mild,severe preeclampsia groups were (48.54± 18.27),(79.46± 32.18) and (292.24±213.08) ng/L,higher than that in normal pregnancy and non pregnant group ((27.84± 14.58) and (20.63± 8.28) n/L;F =49.583,P＜0.05).While no significant difference exists between normal pregnancy group and non pregnant group.Grouped on the median values (199) of brain natriuretic peptide of the severe preeclampsia group,the levels of 24-hour UPA,systolic pressure and diastolic pressure were (5.46±2.68) g,(174.55± 13.58) mmHg,(113.74±9.91) mmHg in patients with brain natriuretic peptide ≥ 199 ng/L(n=42),significant higher than those in patients with brain natriuretic peptide ＜ 199 ng/L(n =41;(4.34± 1.95)g,(165.31±11.12) mmHg,(106.05±8.02) mmHg;t=2.603,3.396,2.308;P=＞0.010,0.001,0.024).The levels of 24-hour UPA,systolic pressure and diastolic pressure of patients with brain natriuretic peptide ≥ 86ng/L(n=20) in mild preeclampsia were (1.68±0.27) g,(163.69±8.29) mmHg,(105.45±6.71) mmHg,significant higher than those in patients with brain natriuretic peptide ＜ 86 ng/L (n =26;(1.16 ± 0.31) g,(152.90±7.32) mmHg,(99.19 ± 5.25) mmHg;t =3.180,2.508,2.32;P =0.010,0.016,0.025).Brain natriuretic peptide was closely correlated with UPA,systolic pressure and diastolic pressure in hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy (HDCP) (r =0.29,0.30;P ＜ 0.01).Brain natriuretic peptide was closely correlated with UPA systolic pressure and diastolic pressure in mild preeclampsia (r =0.39,0.37,0.40;P ＜0.01).And correlation efficacy of brain natriuretic peptide with UPA,systolic pressure and diastolic pressure were 0.44,0.42 and 0.53 (P＜0.01).Conclusion The level of brain natriuretic peptide is closely associated with the severity of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia of hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy.Correlation of brain natriuretic peptide to the severity of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia is independent of urinary protein and hypertension.Brain natriuretic peptide is an important indicator for the severity of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia of hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy.

Implant-related infection is a commonly occurred complication in orthopaedics. The surface modification methods frequently used for anti-infection of implant surface were minimizing bacteria adhesion,grafting antibacterial agents and improving osteointegration. The pathogenesis and characteristics of orthopaedic implant-related infection and the research advances in the surface modification of orthopaedic implants for anti-infection are described in this paper,providing a reference for the research of novel implants with anti-infection characteristics.

Background Ultraviolet radiation is one of factors of the formation of age-related cataract.Indole-3-carbinol(I3C) is a plant chemical material with inhibitory effect on oxidative-induced cell damage and formation of amyloid fibrils,and the oxidative damage and amyloid fibrils are associated with cataract.However,the relationship between I3C and α-crystallin is in study. Objective This study was to evaluate the effects of ultraviolet-B laser irradiation on the secondary structure of α-crystallin and to explore the protection of I3C to chaperone activity of α-crystallin. Methods The fresh eyeballs were obtained from 1-year-old cattle to prepare the purified lens α-crystallin by gel chromatography.α-Crystallin was isolated from cattle lenses using gel chromatography.The purified α-crystallin was collected using fast protein liquid chromatography ( FPLC ) and exposed to 1:308 nmultraviolet-B at different irradiation intensities ( 23.75,118.75,475.00,1187.50,2375.00,4750.00,11 875.00,23 750.00 mJ/cm2 ) and then to ultraviolet-B 2:308 nm with irradiation intensities of 28 535.00,6730.00,3435.00,1910.00,1040.00 mJ/cm2.Ultraviolet-absorbance spectra,tryptophan fluorescence and N-formylkynurenine (N-FK)fluorescence spectra of both irradiated and non-irradiated α-crystallin were measured.I3C at the concentrations of 50 μmol/L and 100 μmoL/L were added to the α-crystallin solution to perform a catalase (CAT) thermal aggregation to confirm the chaperone activity of the α-crystallin,and the α-crystallin solution without any I3C was used as control.The ratios of A360 between various intervene groups with control group were calculated using spectrophotometry.Results The A280 values of the α-crystallin declined to 10％ at the ultraviolet-B irradiation intensity of 1187.5 mJ/cm2 and that at the intensity of 23.75 J/cm2 lowed to 2％.A negative correlation was seen between the ultraviolet-B irradiation intensity and the A280 value of the α-crystallin (R2=0.925 ) and a positive correlation was found between ultraviolet-B with N-FK ( R2 =0.949 ).Ultraviolet-B irradiation intensity showed a negative correlation with Trp fluorescence intensity (R2 =0.996 ).CAT hot condensed experiment revealed that after addition of different concentrations of indole-3-carbinol,the relative A360 values at various ultraviolet-B irradiation group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P =0.000),and the decreasing degree of chaperone activity of α-crystallin was lower than that of the control group ( P =0.000 ). Conclusions The study suggests that I3C can protect the chaperone activity of α-crystallin from photooxidation,and the ultraviolet-B laser may be a good exposure source compared with ultraviolet lamp.The ultraviolet-B laser irradiation causes the alteration of structure and chaperone activity of α-crystallin.

AIMTo determine the involvement of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) pathway in the expression of endothelin receptor type B (ETB) during culture.

METHODSSB386023, a specific inhibitor for ERK1/2 pathway, was used to define the intracellular signaling pathway for the upregulation of ETB receptors and sarafotoxin 6c (S6c), a selective agonist for ETB receptors, induced contraction in isolated rat superior mesenteric arteries. The contraction was recorded by a sensitive in vitro myograph and the receptor mRNA was quantified by a real-time PCR. The phosphorylated ERK1/2 proteins were analyzed by phosphoELISA assay.

RESULTSS6c induced strong contractile responses of the artery after culture for 24 h, while there was no response to S6c in fresh vessel segments. The enhanced contractile response to S6c paralleled with an increase of mRNA for ETB receptors. The phosphorylated ERK1/2 proteins significantly increased after culture for 3 h. After co-culture with SB386023 for 24 h, S6c-induced contractions significantly decreased with reduction of Emax from (217 +/- 14) % to (127 +/- 23) % (P <0.01). This response paralleled with a decreased level of ETB receptor mRNA.

CONCLUSIONERK1/2 pathway was involved in the up-regulation of ETB receptors on smooth muscle cells isolated from rat mesenteric arteries during culture.

Animals ; Cells, Cultured ; Male ; Mesenteric Arteries ; cytology ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 ; antagonists & inhibitors ; metabolism ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3 ; antagonists & inhibitors ; metabolism ; Muscle Contraction ; drug effects ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; cytology ; metabolism ; Organ Culture Techniques ; Phosphorylation ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptor, Endothelin B ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Signal Transduction ; Up-Regulation ; Vasoconstrictor Agents ; pharmacology ; Viper Venoms ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo assess the operative methods of delayed acetabular fractures and the operative results.

METHODSThe operative approaches, procedures, results and complications of the delayed acetabular fractures between August 1993 and August 2001 in Jishuitan Hospital were evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTSThirty-two patients were followed up 49.6 months on average. Sciatic nerve palsy was found in 1 patient. Excellent functional results of hip joints were found in 3 patients, good in 16, fair in 10, and poor in 3. Ectopic bone formation was observed in 6 patients and necrosis of the femoral head in 3.

CONCLUSIONCareful selection of operative indications of delayed acetabular fractures in combination with proper operative approach and appropriate reduction and fixation, good results can be obtained.

Acetabulum ; injuries ; surgery ; Adult ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Fractures, Bone ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Time Factors ; Treatment Outcome

The aim of this study was to explore the protective effect of compound tianpupian (TPP) against (2)O(2)-induced the apoptosis of murine splenic lymphocytes and its mechanism. The cell apoptosis rate was detected by MTT method; the cell apoptosis and mitochondrial membrance potential were detected by flow cytometry (FCM) with Annexi-V/PI double staining and JC-1 staining method, respectively; and caspase 3 relative activity was determined by colorimetry. The results indicated that after treating with (2)O(2), the absorbance value of cultured lymphocytes and the red/green ratio of JC-1 were reduced, and the apoptotic rate and caspase 3 activity were increased, coculture of (2)O(2)-treated cells with compound TPP increased the cell absorbance ratio and red/green rate of JC-1, while reduced the apoptosis rate and caspase 3 activity. It is concluded that compound TPP alleviates intracellular oxidative damages and dose-dependently inhibited apoptosis of murine splenic lymphocytes through reducing mitochondrial membrane potential and inhibiting caspase 3 activity. This suggests that compound TPP is a potential anti-apoptotic agent.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Grape Seed Extract ; pharmacology ; Hydrogen Peroxide ; adverse effects ; Lymphocyte Count ; Lymphocytes ; cytology ; drug effects ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Proanthocyanidins ; pharmacology ; Rhodiola

OBJECTIVETo study the expression of stomatin-like protein-2 (SLP-2) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and analyze the correlation between SLP-2 expression and clinicopathological features.

METHODSThe expression of SLP-2 protein in ESCC tissues (18 and 220 cases respectively) was detected by Western blot and IHC. The association between SLP-2 expression and clinicopathological features was analyzed.

RESULTSCompared with normal epithelium, 13 cases of ESCC tissues showed a higher expression of SLP-2 on the protein level (72.2%, 13/18). IHC analysis on tissue microarray revealed that the expression rate of SLP-2 protein in ESCC was 54.1% and in normal esophageal mucosa was 3.6%, showing a significant difference (P < 0.001). SLP-2 high-level expression correlates with the extent of ESCC invasion (P = 0.033), but not with other clinicopathologic characteristics (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSLP-2 as a novel cancer-related gene may play an important role in tumorigenesis of ESCC. The overexpression of SLP-2 may be closely associated with the invasion of esophageal cancer.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Blood Proteins ; metabolism ; physiology ; Blotting, Western ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; metabolism ; pathology ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; metabolism ; physiology ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Invasiveness

OBJECTIVETo develop antibacterial coatings for orthopedic implants with a sustained release of drugs.

METHODSWollastonite coatings were deposited on the titanium substrates by an atmospheric plasma spray system. After soaking in weight percent of 5% AgNO(3) solution for 24 h, the wollastonite coatings loading silver were obtained. Gentamicin were loaded on the wollastonite coatings by collagen grafting process. The release rates of drugs from wollastonite coatings were investigated by the in vitro solution soaking test. One strain of S. aureus was used in zone of inhibition test to evaluate the antibacterial properties of drug loaded wollastonite coatings, and the cell culture test was used to evaluate their cytotoxicity.

RESULTSSilver and gentamicin loaded wollastonite coatings were successfully prepared. The release of silver ions from the silver loaded wollastonite coatings lasted 50 d in deionized water, effectively inhibiting the growth of S. aureus for 40 d. While an initial burst release of gentamicin was found during the in vitro solution soaking test. The gentamicin released from gentamicin loaded wollastonite coatings can inhibit the growth of S. aureus for 18 d. Both the two kinds of antibacterial wollastonite coatings showed no adverse effect on cellular adhesion, proliferation and alkaline phosphatase expression.

CONCLUSIONSCompared with gentamicin loaded wollastonite coatings, silver loaded wollastonite coatings may have more promising clinical applications due to the even and long-time antibacterial agent release.

Anti-Bacterial Agents ; pharmacology ; Calcium Compounds ; Cells, Cultured ; Coated Materials, Biocompatible ; pharmacology ; Gentamicins ; pharmacology ; Materials Testing ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Osteoblasts ; cytology ; drug effects ; Silicates ; Silver ; pharmacology

AIMTo study the vasodilation effect of atropine and its mechanism.

METHODSIsometric tension was recorded in isolated rat super mesenteric arteries precontracted by noradrenaline (NE) to study the vasodilation effect of atropine, and to investigate the role of endothelial cell and vascular smooth muscle cell on vasodilation.

RESULTSAtropine was shown to significantly dilate the endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded arteries precontracted by NE. Nomega-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, nitric oxide synthase inhabitor), indomethacin (cyclooxygenase inhibitor), propranolol (general beta adrenoceptor antagonist) and glibenclamide (ATP sensitive potassium channel inhibitor) showed no effect on vasodilation of atropine. Atropine did not affect the concentration-contraction curve of K+. However, atropine suppressed the contraction induced by NE and CaCl2, but not that by caffeine in the Ca+ -free Krebs solution.

CONCLUSIONAtropine showed significant vasodilation effect which may derive, in part, from endothelium. Besides, atropine could inhibit the receptor-mediated Ca2+ -influx and Ca2+ -release, which was inferred to the mechanism of atropine on vasodilation.

Animals ; Atropine ; pharmacology ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Calcium Chloride ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Endothelial Cells ; physiology ; Female ; In Vitro Techniques ; Indomethacin ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Male ; Mesenteric Artery, Superior ; drug effects ; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Norepinephrine ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Potassium Chloride ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Vasodilation ; drug effects ; Vasodilator Agents ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo study the expression of stomatin like protein-2 (SLP-2) at mRNA and protein levels in two kinds of malignant epithelial tumors, including laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) and invasive breast cancer, and to study the relations of SLP-2 expression and clinicopathologic parameters with the prognosis.

METHODSRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of SLP-2 mRNA and protein in LSCC and their normal counterparts (46 and 10 pair, respectively). Immunohistochemistry was carried on tissue array constructed from LSCC (104 cases) and breast cancer (263 cases), respectively. The association between SLP-2 expression and clinicopathologic parameters was analyzed.

RESULTSLSCC showed a higher expression of SLP-2 than that of their normal counterparts (negative expression) at mRNA (83%, 38/46) and protein (7/10) level. Immunohistochemical analysis of LSCC showed that compared with negative expression in normal laryngeal epithelium (0/20), a higher SLP-2 expression was detected in LSCC (36/104, P=0.000) and associated with the advanced clinical stage (P<0.01) and lymph node metastasis (P=0.003). Immunohistochemical study of invasive breast cancer demonstrated that compared with negative expression in normal breast tissue (0/10), more than one half of the cases showed a high SLP-2 expression (52.5%, 138/263, P=0.000) in breast cancer, which correlated with the tumor size (P=0.020), lymph node metastasis (P<0.01), advanced clinical stage (P<0.01), distant metastasis (P=0.002) and HER2/neu protein expression (P=0.037). Survival analysis showed a shorter overall survival probability in patients with a high SLP-2 expression. It was considered that lymph node metastasis, positive HER2/neu expression, and high-level SLP-2 expression may act as the independent prognostic factors for those tumors.

CONCLUSIONSA high expression level of SLP-2 may be associating with the development of invasion and metastasis in LSCC and breast cancer, and SLP-2 is also considered working as an independent factor indicating a poor prognosis clinically in breast cancer.

Adult ; Blood Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Breast Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast ; metabolism ; pathology ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Laryngeal Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prognosis ; Proportional Hazards Models ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Receptor, ErbB-2 ; metabolism ; Survival Analysis